Go-ahead for on-road testing of driverless vehicles in Victoria, Australia

The Road Safety Act has been changed to enable driverless vehicles to be trialled on roads in the state of Victoria, Australia, upon receiving a permit from VicRoads. The state also launched a A$9m grant programme for researchers and industry, to support connected and automated vehicle developments.

“Victoria is at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology and these changes will allow our best and brightest to continue to drive transport innovation,” said Luke Donnellan, minister for roads and road safety, Victoria government.

Under the new laws, all driverless vehicle trials will require a human supervisor to monitor the vehicle from either inside or outside the vehicle. Once it has been established a vehicle can drive safely, this condition may be removed to allow the vehicle to drive in automated mode in limited circumstances without a supervisor.